Caitlin Dillon
Matchday two of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup will see two Group A clashes at Khalifa International Stadium, with the United Arab Emirates taking on Iraq at 5:30pm before Yemen take on hosts Qatar at 8:00pm.
With the UAE and Iraq occupying the group’s top spots with three points each, tonight’s match could be decisive in how the remainder of the group stages play out.
In the opening round, the UAE took on Yemen beating them a convincing 3-0, whilst Iraq achieved a 2-1 victory over the host nation. The UAE’s top scorer, Ali Mabkhout, walked away from their opener as the competition’s highest scorer so far, netting all three of his team’s goals. Similarly, both of Iraq’s crucial goals were scored by 22-year-old Mohamed Qasem.
The UAE’s Head Coach, Bert van Marwijk, came out fighting at the pre-match press conference, stating, “Every game, we start to win. I will not start a game to play a draw, I will not start a game to only defend.”
Whilst Iraq have the upper hand when it comes to their competition record against their opponents, the side has struggled against the UAE in recent years, with the Emiratis going unbeaten by Iraq since 1982.
Iraq’s Head Coach, Srecko Katanec, said that his team were lucky that Qatar missed goal scoring opportunities in the first round, adding, “Football is like this, Qatar was better than us but they did not score goals and we scored. I am realistic and realise that tomorrow’s game is very difficult. The players have to show all their potential to win, and I hope that the scenario of Qatar will be repeated again.”
United Arab Emirates vs Iraq will kick off at 5:30pm at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here.